
Tatum Heiliger
Business Development Director
Hi! I'm Tatum, Business Development Director for Grand Welcome Sea Ranch. With a background in education and leadership, my career has always been centered around building strong relationships and delivering meaningful results. Having stayed in hundreds of short-term rentals across the U.S., Europe, and Africa, I bring a guest-first perspective that helps properties stand out. I use that insight to help homeowners increase bookings, improve guest experience, and maximize their return with a strategy that actually performs.
Sea Ranch is one of my favorite places to relax and decompress. I love walking the trails along the cliffs, and the sunsets here never get old. It's a quiet retreat where I can slow down and just enjoy the beauty around me.
Favorite local spot: Sea Ranch

Trudy Verno
General Manager
Hello there, I'm Trudy Verno your host! I'm excited to share the beauty, charm, and unique character of Sea Ranch with you. With local roots and more than 10 years of experience in the vacation rental industry, I've found one of my passions is helping you create lasting memories of your visit to the Coast. I believe that the little details—whether it's a thoughtful recommendation, a warm welcome, or going the extra mile—can make all the difference. At my core, I value kindness, authenticity, and building meaningful relationships. Through our guests, I get the privilege of connecting with people from all around the world, embracing new opportunities, and making new friends. I take pride in making every guest stay comfortable, enjoyable, and unforgettable. Nothing is better than knowing our guests leave feeling amazing.
One of the things I love most about Sea Ranch is how thoughtfully it blends with its natural surroundings. Its unique combination of natural beauty, tranquility, and timelessness is a place that encourages reflection, inspires creativity, and reminds me of the importance of protecting special places like this for future generations. The architecture doesn't compete with the landscape—it complements it. The rolling meadows, towering cypress trees, rugged cliffs, and endless views of the Pacific Ocean create a setting that feels both wild and welcoming. Whether I'm enjoying a quiet morning with a cup of coffee overlooking the ocean, watching a spectacular sunset, listening to the surf, exploring tide pools, reading by the fireplace, or spending time with family and friends, it all feels so meaningful. Walking the coastal trails, watching the seals, and spotting migrating whales or seabirds always makes me feel connected to something much bigger than myself.

Steven Brown
Owner & Operator
Hi there, I'm Steven Brown, a proud Tennessean, and a U.S. Army Veteran. I've served my country with honor, and now, I'm serving the vibrant community of Sea Ranch with my short-term vacation rental business, Grand Welcome Sea Ranch. My goal is to ensure every visitor feels right at home while experiencing the beauty of this incredible destination.
I love starting my day with a hike, and enjoying the salty air. Sea Ranch is where simplicity meets luxury—the luxury of space, quiet and time. It's my kind of paradise.

Alex Buchanan
Owner & Operator
Hello there, I'm Alex, the proud owner of Grand Welcome Sea Ranch. I was born and raised in Easton, PA, and later graduated from Penn State University. My passion for aviation led me to serve as an Aviation Officer and Helicopter Pilot for eight years. This experience instilled a sense of discipline and commitment that I now apply to my business. Now, I'm dedicated to providing a grand welcome to all visitors of Sea Ranch and Gualala through my short-term vacation rental business.
I love taking in the beautiful views of the pacific coast while drinking my morning coffee followed by a hike on many of the great trails nearby. Some of my favorite spots to grab food are the Gualala Seafood Shack and Miramar Mexican Grill.

Samantha Maher
Guest Service Manager
Hey there! I'm Samantha Maher, your Guest Service Manager here at Grand Welcome Sea Ranch. I was born and raised in Connecticut, where I also earned my Management degree from Sacred Heart University. With a decade of customer service experience under my belt, including six years dedicated to building and managing successful teams, I'm all about making every guest feel like they're stepping into their dream home when they stay with us.
I always make time for the Bluff Trail—there's nothing like that walk along the cliffs with wildflowers on one side and crashing waves on the other. Stopping at Shell Beach to watch the harbor seals nap on the rocks never gets old.
Favorite local spot: Bluff Trail